15.3.09

Kansas authorities issue rape warning

LAWRENCE, Kan., March 12 (UPI) --

Authorities say women living in the Kansas college towns of Manhattan and Lawrence should be cautious as a result of 13 rapes linked by investigators.

Ashley Anstaett of the Kansas attorney general's office said as a result of similarities between the crimes in the two cities, authorities felt it was necessary to inform the public of the potential threat, The Kansas City (Mo.) Star said Thursday.

The newspaper said officials in Manhattan investigated seven rapes since 2001 while there were six such attacks in Lawrence since 2004.

At this point we feel there are definitely enough similarities that we need to tell people about the threat, that someone is out there, Anstaett said Wednesday. In the interest of public safety, we need to share this information.

The majority of the rapes in Manhattan and Lawrence have occurred when classes at University of Kansas and Kansas State University were out of session. That piece of information is vital given the fact both schools' spring break period begins in a few days, the Star said.

Sandy Barnett of the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence also recommends area women remain cautious even if authorities are able to apprehend a suspect for the rapes.